Feedback mechanisms

Question 1

What happens when your temperature is too high?

Answer 1

Enzymes become denatured
Molecules vibrate too much
Hydrogen bonds break
Active site’s shape changes
No-longer works as a catalyst
Metabolic reactions are less efficient
If too low, the rate slows

Question 2

What happens when the pH is too high or low?

Answer 2

Enzymes become denatured
Hydrogen bonds break
Active site’s shape changes
No-longer works as a catalyst
Metabolic reactions are less efficient

Question 3

What happened when your blood glucose concentration is too HIGH?

Answer 3

Too high =
Water potential of blood reduced
Water molecules diffuse out of cells into blood by osmosis
Cells shrivel up and die

Question 4

What happens when one’s blood glucose concentration is too LOW?

Answer 4

There isn’t enough glucose for respiration to provide energy

Cells can’t carry out normal activities

Question 5

Negative feedback…

Answer 5

Keeps conditions around the normal level, e.g. body temperature

Question 6

Positive feedback…

Answer 6

Amplifies a change from the normal level
Not a part of homeostasis as it doesn’t keep one’s internal environment stable
Examples: hypo/hyperthermia, blood clotting, hypo/hyperglycaemia